Preparations for Running without an assistant

Running has always been an activity for the visually impaired that has
mostly been connected to an assistant and a set of instructions,
devices, not mentioning the initial excitements.
It is true that it is safe to run with a partner, moreover, it is
entertaining to have good company but there are occasions when no one is
available, yet the training must not stop otherwise the racer's
condition will be more difficult to be sustained. It Is not recommended
instead of the traditional methods but it is a way to handle unexpected
situations when the team temporarily has to separate.
Visually impaired racers especially if they have been participating
competitions for a long time developed their own pace, balance, and
confidence based on the routine they acquired in all those years. They
probably have a place which they visit regularly and where it is easy
for them to get from their homes. It is important to choose a safe place
near the home because neighbors and people from the area might have the
same hobby so they will not disturb the individual with anxious,
exaggerated, sometimes irritating questions about the eye problem.
Before choosing the best path, here are some criteria which the place
has to meet. First, it has to be safe, not surrounded by fast traffic
or deep ditches, it must be easy to follow straight, linear places are
the most suitable such as a pavement or a sidewalk with grass or plants
on one or both sides; its examination is indispensable in the time of
the day when the running is planned. The things that one has to pay
attention to are the noises first. Not every place sounds the same in
the day or at dawn. Since the night is colder than the day in spring, it
is possible that the area will be more quiet, the smells different, and
the ear might catch noises that are hidden during the most active hours.
The sound of the shoes may be scary in the beginning but this is one
change. Empty and stuffed spaces reflect the sound in a different way.
Find these places and count them. The air is colder in an open area than
in a closed one. Open areas are tricky. Runners have to learn not be
scared of them. The best way to avoid panic of getting lost is to find
something on the ground that helps keeping the feet on the path. This is
why it is important to find a track that is easy to follow. When
reaching a surrounded lane again, walk back just a little and find
landmarks like a tree, or small changes in the ground to make sure that
the path is the one that leads to the one closed area that is on the
track of choice. The more, the better. In case the runner has a guide
available at the time of visiting possible areas, the job is easier. If
the partner is willing to co-operate, the runner may ask the following
questions. How wide is the lane? In case of getting lost. What are the
things I have to find when I am not sure where I am?
Although the path is straight and easy to follow and perhaps the runner
is familiar with it, it is not wise to memorize it all at once. Take
notes of the obstacles, changes, number of open and closed areas,
landmarks that lead from one station to the other, count the points from
where the sound is reflected differently and connect these findings to
distances and objects on the path.